whats the deal with side charging AR's?

utah_1911

utah_1911

New member
What is so cool about the side charging AR's? Is it just something different so everyone gets fired up about it, or is there a significant advantage to charging your rifle directly from the bolt instead of the rear charging handle? Elaborate.....
 
If you have a scope the side charge makes it a lot easier to use. I have both configurations and I really like the side charge.
 
That makes sense to me, but with how an AR is set up you have to have a scope on x-high rings and there is plenty of room. The first set of rings I had weren't tall enough and it was a booger to pull that handle.
*enlightened*
 
It woud definitely make charging easier... AND it looks bad [beeep].. if it werent for the price, id have one or four.

I run 1 piece mounts on all mine.. is there enough room to get the handle? sure... is it comfortable? no.

I have large hands and the side charger would make it a whole lot easier.
 
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I use the one piece mount also. Yes I can get to the handle but not easily. As for the X-high rings, I dont use them. They are too high for a comfortable cheek weld.
 
Speaking as a Leo who uses a AR fro duty, a side charging would be the only way to go. They are a lot faster on reloads and malfunctions.
 
i'm just guessing here but i think not having a side charge will keep it from hanging up on clothing and such in combat
which is what they were intended for, i have used the fwd assist to seat the bolt on a quiet charge as not to make undue noise. well really i would'nt see much difference, maybe just a personal preference....
 
Easier charging and good looks, whats not to like. I wish Mike offered one.
The only negative as far as I can see is a reciprocating bolt handle that could get caught on something. In a hunting rifle, not really an issue.
 
i just got the JP side charger which folds out of the way and doesn't recipricate with the bolt. i think this is the best of both worlds: easy access and it won't get hung up on anything.

downside: $ these are expensive! but if you know me you know i didn't pay anywhere near retail.

i'm waiting on lower parts so i haven't shot it yet.
 
Originally Posted By: notimeri'm just guessing here but i think not having a side charge will keep it from hanging up on clothing and such in combat
which is what they were intended for, i have used the fwd assist to seat the bolt on a quiet charge as not to make undue noise. well really i would'nt see much difference, maybe just a personal preference....


That may be true, but we are not using them in combat.
 
Yeah man, that JP upper is calling my name. The Adcor(sp)can be set up to run on either side, non reciprocating and also has the charge handle. My local fun store has one of the uppers, I'm just not into piston set ups. It could be a slick calling gun, but I want to see more feedback before jumping on that wagon.
 
Originally Posted By: texas_localWhen you have a SBR it has a lot of gas in your face. Side charging is supposed to minimize the blow back

I have never heard that.
 
Originally Posted By: reb8600Originally Posted By: texas_localWhen you have a SBR it has a lot of gas in your face. Side charging is supposed to minimize the blow back

I have never heard that. I have never had any gas in my face from any of my AR's

You have some short barrel rifles maybe with a supressor on them. That is where it comes from. If you do have some and you don't get that than sweet deal.
 
Originally Posted By: texas_localWhen you have a SBR it has a lot of gas in your face. Side charging is supposed to minimize the blow back

HUH?

And HOW?
 


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